DX Cluster/Packet
TNC pre-test
Before you can use a TNC with Win-Test, it should tested before with a simple terminal program, not PAXON! Some TNC have different operating systems. Popularly are "The Firmware" (TF) and "KISS" mode. In Kiss mode, no connection is possible.
To make sure your TNC has the correct OS, use a simple terminal program, connect to a COM port, setting the right baud rate and switch on the TNC. If your TNC has the TF OS, after reset TNC a message should appear in the terminal program like "The Firmware Ver. 2.1..". If not, check cable and set-up. If the pre-test was successful, then set-up the TNC in Win-Test can be carried out now.
Win-Test TNC set-up
To set-up TNC, open menu - options - configure interfaces. Setting up the right COM port parameters, the same as before in terminal program.
Checking the set-up works
To check, the TNC set-up and connection is correct, open DX-Cluster monitor window (Alt+O). After resetting TNC, the same message must appear as before in the terminal program. If it doesn't works, set-up or cable is wrong.
Connecting node
Once you have configured the appropriate COM port for your TNC in Win-Test, you should be able to connect to your local node.
Open DX cluster window by using Alt+T to send a command to the TNC.
To control the TNC, you need control sequences. TNC control sequences always starts with ESC!
Pressing ESC in DX-Cluster window is not possible, the window will close.
To achieve a ESC control, you must press CTRL+E followed by the TNC command!
After reset, TNC is normally in cannel 0, no connection is possible, only viewing mode. The command to change to cannel 1 is: CTRL+E S1
Message in monitor window: CHANNEL NOT CONNECTED
The connect command to your local node: CTRL+E C<node> where <node> is the callsign of your local node.
You can follow the connection in the DX-cluster monitor window. When connection is made, than connect to your preferred DX-Cluster: It is important, that all commands after connecting are WITHOUT ESC! These are normal inputs in the DX-cluster window like: C DB0SDF-7 where C is the connect command to your local node, to connect to the DX cluster DB0SDF-7.
After connection to your preferred DX-cluster, you can use the buttons of the DX-CL window to show DX announcements.
You can use the packet monitor window (Alt+O) to check the connection status and to see data inbound from the TNC. Spots should begin filling up the bandmap at this stage.
Disconnecting node
To leave the DX cluster, normally bye command in DX-Cluster window. After reconnect to your local node, TNC command CTRL+E D disconnect from your local node.
Other important TNC commands are:
CTRL+E I: set your own call to TNC (CTRL+E I DL8NAS)
CTRL+E T16: set TX delay, normally around 16 (12..20)
A summary of TNC command set with TF OS can found here: The Firmware TF 2.6 Commands
06 Jul. 23, DL8NAS, Sigi